Connector



March 19, 1963 J. R. JOHNSTON 3,081,508

CONNECTOR Filed Oct. 21, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 lllll-lllllll INVENTOR. JA MES R. JOHNSTON ATTORNEYS Mam}! 1963 J. R. JOHNSTON 3,081,508

CONNECTOR Filed Oct. 21, 1958 2 Sheets-Shet 2 INVENTOR. JAMES R. JOHNSTON ATTORNEYS atet 3,@8l,58 Patented Mar. 19, 1953 snsrsas CONNEQTQR James R. Johnston, 4021 La Salle St., San Diego, Calif. Filed Oct. 21, 1953, Ser. No. 768,722 Claims. (Cl. 24-211) The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to a connector which provides a secure but readily disconnectable linkage between elements.

This invention is adapted to a variety of applications such as, for example, securing keys to a key-chain, holding together the ends of a choker or necklace, serving as a quick-disconnect device for dog leashes or for the leaders and hooks of a fishermans line, or providing a strong but easily separable fastener for cables, chains, tie-down ropes and guy wires. In short, the invention is useful in most situations where there is required to be a strong connection which is easily releasable.

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of United States patent application Serial No. 670,605, filed July 8, 1957, entitled Utility Fastener, and filed in the name of James R. Johnston, and now abandoned. That application is directed to an invention which comprises a pair of end members which are adapted for securement to the elements to be releasably connected together. In addition, a bias member is taught which tends to effect a disengagement of the normally engaged end members. However, the bias member is opposed by the action of a retainer means which is arranged to cooperate with the end members to normally maintain them in mating or engaged relationship. The retainer means is actuatable, as desired, to move out of this position to permit disengaging movement of the end members, whereupon the bias member effects such disengaging movement. Thus, the connector taught in the above-mentioned application Serial No. 670,605 is actuable at will to effect disengagement, and the nature of the engagement between the end members provides a very strong linkage between the elements to be connected. Further, after the end means or end members of the connector are disengaged, the bias member serves to hold the various components of the connector in position for re-engagement. The bias means continues to maintain the components in position for re-engagement until the end means or members approach a position of re-engagement, whereupon the bias means is caused to move by reason of the action of the engaging members, and thereafter the retaining means maintains the engaged relationship between the end members.

The present application is directed to improved embodiments and alternative constructions of the device set forth in the above-identified application. More particularly, the present invention includes a protuberant element and a pair of jaws which are adapted to receive said protuberant element to thereby detach-ably secure together the ends of the plurality of elements to be connected together. As previously mentioned, this plurality of elements could be the pair of ends of a necklace for example. The material of the jaws is shaped to define a pair of axially spaced and aligned throat sections which are effective to constrain the protuberant element against axial movement when the jaws are closed upon the protuberant element. A web section is provided adjacent a portion of the exterior of one or both of the throat sections to strengthen them against bending or distortion. In addition, novel constructions are described hereinafter which are etfective to strengthen the throat sections against bending by provision of an increased wall thickness, a double wall thickness of sheet material, and a particular disposition of sheet material in the vicinity adjacent the throat sections. In addition, several improved forms of end fittings will be hereinafter described, these end fittings being adapted to provide the connection between the connector and the ends of the necklace or similar elements to be connected together. The end fittings will be seen to be economical to construct and simple to manufacture. Further, the present invention comprehends the provision of forms of end fittings which are adapted to be threadably secured to the end elements to be connected together, thereby affording comparatively high strength characteristics. The present invention also teaches a form of end fitting wherein the wall thickness is sutficiently thin that the fitting may be partially crimped about the end of the element to be connected.

The connector of the present invention is light in weight, strong, easily actuable, and is particularly economical to manufacture and maintain. Moreover, the connector is appropriately strengthened in areas of high stress whereby it is characterized by long life and comparatively trouble free operation.

In addition to the above, various other objects and features of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following specification and appended drawings wherein are illustrated preferred forms of the invention, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal view, partially in section, of the connector of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a view taken along line II-II of FIG- URE- 1;

FIGURE 3 is a view taken along line III'-III of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a detail plan view, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of one of the pair of jaws of the connector of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a detail view of the yoke portion of an end fitting of the connector illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a longitudinal view, partially in section, of another embodiment of the connector of the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is a view taken along line VII-VII of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a detail plan View, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of one of the pair of jaws of the connector of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 9 is a longitndinal view, partially in section, of still another embodiment of the connector of the present invention; and

FIGURE 10 is a view taken along line X-X of FIG- URE 9.

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIGURES 1 through 4, there is illustrated an embodiment of the fastener or connector of the present invention which is generally designated It! and which will be described with reference to the connection of end elements (not shown) which are adapted to be connected, respectively,

' to a pair of end fittings such as end fittings 12 and 14.

It is to be understood that the reference to end elements is intended to include elements of key chains, necklaces, leaders and hooks of a fishermans lines, or dog leashes or the like.

Connector 10 is preferably formed as an elongated cylinder, and comprises, generally, the pair of end means or members 16 and 18 which are provided with outwardly Y and axially extending projections 2% having reduced diameter portions 22 which, as will be seen are adapted to accept a yoke portion 24 of end fittings 12 and 14 for securement of such fittings to end means 16 and 18, re-

bent to define the yoke portion 24 which integrally joins a pair of spaced legs 28.

Spaced legs 28 are thus joined together at one end by yoke portion 24, and are provided at their other or free ends with aligned slits or openings 30, only one of which openings 3% is illustrated. Openings 3% are adapted to securely accept shaft 26, and are preferably formed large enough to fit over the outer end portions of shaft 26, and which are also formed to include a slit or continuation of opening 34) which is adapted to be crimped or deformed to substantially close such continuation whereby legs 28 of the fitting may be crimped and secured to a reduced diameter portion of shaft 26, such as shown at portion 32. By this means more expensive fastening elements such as nuts and bolts, rivets, or the like are eliminated, and a simple and expeditious crimped con nection is afiorded instead.

Referring now to FIGURE 5, a similar provision is made for connecting yoke portion 24 of the end fittings 12 and 14 to reduced diameter portion 22 of projection 29. More particularly, yoke portion 24 is formed with a central opening 34 which includes longitudinally extending slots or continuations 36. As will be apparent, yoke portion 24 is secured to reduced diameter portion '22 by positioning yoke portion 24 over projection 2t? and onto portion 22, and crimping the material to close or urge together the continuations 36 of opening 34.

Connector 1th includes a pair of jaws 33 which are connected to spaced legs 28 of the end fitting 12 by end means 16. End means 16 include a receptacle element 39 which in the present embodiment is formed as an integral continuation of jaws 38, being preferably stamped or formed out of a single length of sheet material. Element 39 includes at its inner end a loop portion 4%) which is disposed within a cavity 41. provided in the body 44 of means 16, loop as being secured in this position by a pin 46 disposed through body 44 and loop 463.

The material of jaws 38 is shaped in the form of substantially half spheres which complement each other and which are provided with adjacent reduced diameter neck portions or throat section 48 and mouth section 59 as illustrated in FIGURE 1.

The semi-spherical receptacles, socket elements or jaws 38 are adapted to be spread apart or open to receive and accommodate a ball or protuberant element 52 which is connected to the spaced legs 28 of the right end fitting 14 by end means 18. Such element 52 is preferably of such a diameter that it fits snugly in and between jaws 38 when jaws 38 are in closed position. In the open position of jaws 38, element '2 will easily pass into or out of the space between jaws 38 through mouth section 50. However, when jaws 38 are brought together, mouth section 50 will be disposed adjacent a reduced diameter portion 54 which integrally joins protuberant element 52 into end means 18. Thus, it will be apparent that when jaws 38 are restrained against outward movement, the end fittings 28 cannot be separated because of the secure engagement of element 52 within the socket formed by the jaws 38.

The means for normally retaining jaws 33 in their closed position preferably includes a cylindrical sleeve 56, which is disposed about body 44- and jaws 38, and which is adapted for slidable movement on the body 44 and guided thereby. Slidable movement inwardly or to the left is restrained by a bias means such as a coil spring 58. At one end spring 58 bears against body 44-, and at the other end spring 53 bears against an inner annular shoulder 60 of sleeve 56 whereby sleeve 56 is biased to the right. The movement of the sleeve to the right is limited by the shoulder 19 on the end means 18, which shoulder faces end means 16. The bias against sleeve 56 is sufficiently great that it is effective to act upon jaws 38 when they are in their outspread or open positions, and thereby urge jaws 38 inwardly to their closed position. However, as will be seen, this bias force may be opposed i by a control means 62 as will be hereinafter described. It will be apparent that this engagement of end means 6 and lb will be effected if sleeve 56 is grasped and urged to the left, provided, of course, some means is provided to urge jaws 3d outwardly to permit element 52 to be withdrawn. Such a means is provided by the control means 62 which is carried within the hollow interior formed between the split semi-cylindrical halves of receptacle 39.

Control means 62 includes a pin 64 which is biased to the right by a spring 66, movement of pin 64 to the right being limited by a shoulder 68 whose greatest diameter is larger than the diameter of throat section 48, even when jaws 38 are fully open.

it will be apparent from FIGURE 1 that when sleeve 56 is moved to the left, jaws 38 will be moved outwardly by control means 62 and maintained in that position by the interposition of the body of control means 62 within throat section 48. Thus, jaws 38 cannot be closed until control means 62 is urged to the left through contact with the entering element 52. After the obstruction of the body of control means 62 is removed from throat section 43, coil springs 58 biases sleeve 56 to the right, thereby etfecting closure of jaws 38.

For further details of the construction and operation of a similar connector, reference is made to my applica* tion Serial No. 676,605, which is now abandoned.

The constant opening and closing of jaws 38 subjects the sections 48 and 53 to considerable stress, and it will be apparent that the strength of sections 48 and St} has a great deal to do with the amount of force which may be assumed by the connector proper. That is, if sections 48 and 5d are too thin or weak, it will be seen that the material of jaws 38 will bend or deform, undesirably permitting protuberant element 52 to be withdrawn from the socket formed between jaws 38.

To provide the necessary strength, the material of jaws 38 is shaped to provide a web section 76, FIG- URES 2 and 4, adjacent at least a portion of the exterior of mouth section 5t). More particularly, jaws 38 are made of sheet material which is stamped out to provide the half spherical shape of each of the jaws 38, and a web section '76 is left adjacent mouth section 59 toafford increased resistance to bending. Likewise, as illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4, web section 72 is similarly formed adjacent throat section 48 to improve the resistance of throat section 48 to bending or distortion.

Referring now to FIGURES 6, 7, and 8, there is illustrated another embodiment of the connector of the present invention, generally designated 74, which is substantially identical to the connector 10 previously described. However, connector 7 is provided with a pair of jaws 76 which are formed as integral continuations of a pair of semi-cylindrical receptacle sections 77 which are pivotable within a recess 78 formed in the body of end fitting 89. The pair of sections 77 are retained within recess 78 by a threaded retainer 82 which is secured within body 55% by a nut and washer combination 84. The jaws 76 are formed of sheet material, and are formed to provide a web section 72 at throat section 48, in the manner described for connector in. In addition, the sheet material of each body 76 is bent back upon itself to provide a Web or reinforced section 84 adjacent mouth section 50. Web section 84 is, of course, double the wall thickness of the material of each body 76. By this means greatly improved strength is afforded at mouth section 5% whereby connector 74 is adapted to withstand any forces tending to separate protuberant element 52 from the socket defined between jaws 76. In this regard, it is noted that jaws 76 are adapted to mate with element 52 in the same fashion as set forth for connector 10.

Body 30 of connector 74 is formed at its left end to include a bore '86. The diameter or size of bore 86 is such that a thin wall is provided at the left end of body 80 whereby when the end element of a necklace or the like is inserted within bore 86, the thin walls forming bore 86 may be criniped or deformed upon such element. This provides a quick and inexpensive means for rigidly securing body St? to such an'element.

In FEGURES 9 and there is illustrated still another embodiment of the present invention. This particular embodiment, generally designated 83, is substantially identical to the embodiment of FIGURE 6 except that an end fitting 90 is provided which is somewhat different from fitting 8t and a different construction is provided for strengthening the sections 48 and Stl. More particularly, a pair of jaws 92. are provided which are cast or forged to provide a wall thickness at sections 4-8 and 59 which is greater than the wall thickness of the material forming jaws 92.

End fitting 90 is formed with a threaded bore 94 which is adapted to threadably accept an end element 96 which may, for example, form the end element of a dog leash or the like. The wall thickness of end fitting 9th is comparatively great, and this, together with the strong threaded connection and the comparatively thick walls at sections 4-8 and 50, provides a strong, heavy-duty conhector which is particularly useful in material handling applications, or for use as the connector of a dog leash.

From the description hereinabove made, it will be seen that a strong but easily separable connector has been provided which is useful in a variety of applications, such as for use as a separable connector in cables, chains, tie-down ropes, necklaces, and dog leashes. The conneotor is adapted to withstand comparatively high forces, and yet it may be easily separated with a quick movement of sleeve 56. The high forces assumed by the connector are resisted by unique means for strengthening the throat sections of the jaws, and the construction of the strengthened throat sections is such that it is adapted to inexpensive manufacture. Likewise, the improved forms of end fittings are also adapted to withstand great forces, and, by reason of their straightforward design, are well suited to mass production.

While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been specifically disclosed, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto as many variations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the invention is to be given its broadest possible interpretation within the terms of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A connector for securing together a plurality of elements, said connector comprising a pair of end fittings; a protuberant element; means connecting said pnotuberant element to one of said fittings; a pair of jaws; means connecting said pair of jaws to the other of said end fittings, said second means having a hollow interior, said pair of jaws being spaced apart to define a socket terminating at one end in a reduced-diameter outer mouth section, said socket being adapted to receive said protubenant element, said protuberant element having a reduced-diameter section for cooperation with said socket said second means including an inner throat section interposed between the jaws and said other fitting and having a thickened portion to constrain said inner throat section against bending; a movable control element having a mid portion and an end portion; bias means located vw'thin said hollow interior and operative against said control element to move said mid portion against said inner throat section and move said end portion within said socket; and retaining means disposed about the exterior of said jaws and biased thereagainst to urge said jaws toward each other, said retaining means movable for allowing said jaws to open.

2. A connector according to claim 1 and characterized in that said walls of the jaws adjacent said mouth section are of greater thickness than the wall thickness of said jaws intermediate said throat and mouth sections.

3. A connector according to claim 1 and characterized in that at least one of said pair of end fittings is formed of sheet material and comprises a pair of spaced leg portions which are each apertured at one end and which are integrally joined at the other end by a yoke portion, said apertures being adapted to receive a shaft for mounting at least one of said plurality of elements, said yoke portion including a substantially diamond shaped opening which is crimped upon one of said means for :securement thereto.

4. A connector comprising a plurality of end members, spaced from one another, one of said members having a shoulder facing the other member and having a protuberant element extending toward said other member, the other of said members forming a guide; a pair of jaws connected with said other member and extending toward the first mentioned member and terminating in a section for receiving said protuberant element, at least one of said jaws being movable outwardly for releasing said pnotuberant element; a slidable sleeve about said movable jaw for retaining said movable jaw in protuberiant-element latching position, said sleeve being slidable to a non-retaining position with respect to said movable jaw, and plunger means slideably movable within said jaws, and biased toward said jaws, said plunger means operable to open said jaws when said protuberant element is removed therefrom, said plunger means. being retractable into said jaws when said protuberant element is insorted therebetween, said sleeve being guided by said guide and in abuttable relationship with said shoulder when in jaw retaining position; and a spring within said sleeve abutting said other member and normally urging the sleeve into abutting relationship with said shoulder.

5. A connector as defined in claim 4, in which the walls of said jaws are provided with reduced mouth and throat sections, and in which said walls adjacent said mouth section are thickened.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 423,386 Miller Mar. 11, 1890 737,068 Briel et a1. Aug. 25, 1903 1,397,237 Schenk Nov. 15, 1921 2,654,135 Grizzard et a1. Oct. 6, 1953 2,902,737 Moran Sept. 8, 1959 

4. A CONNECTOR COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF END MEMBERS, SPACED FROM ONE ANOTHER, ONE OF SAID MEMBERS HAVING A SHOULDER FACING THE OTHER MEMBER AND HAVING A PROTUBERANT ELEMENT EXTENDING TOWARD SAID OTHER MEMBER, THE OTHER OF SAID MEMBERS FORMING A GUIDE; A PAIR OF JAWS CONNECTED WITH SAID OTHER MEMBER AND EXTENDING TOWARD THE FIRST MENTIONED MEMBER AND TERMINATING IN A SECTION FOR RECEIVING SAID PROTUBERANT ELEMENT, AT LEAST ONE OF SAID JAWS BEING MOVABLE OUTWARDLY FOR RELEASING SAID PROTUBERANT ELEMENT; A SLIDABLE SLEEVE ABOUT SAID MOVABLE JAW FOR RETAINING SAID MOVABLE JAW IN PROTUBERANT-ELEMENT LATCHING POSITION, SAID SLEEVE BEING SLIDABLE TO A NON-RETAINING POSITION WITH RESPECT TO SAID MOVABLE JAW, AND PLUNGER MEANS SLIDEABLY MOVABLE WITHIN SAID JAWS, AND BIASED TOWARD SAID JAWS, SAID PLUNGER MEANS OPERABLE TO OPEN SAID JAWS WHEN SAID PROTUBERANT ELEMENT IS REMOVED THEREFROM, SAID PLUNGER MEANS BEING RETRACTABLE INTO SAID JAWS WHEN SAID PROTUBERANT ELEMENT IS INSERTED THEREBETWEEN, SAID SLEEVE BEING GUIDED BY SAID GUIDE AND IN ABUTTABLE RELATIONSHIP WITH SAID SHOULDER WHEN IN JAW RETAINING POSITION; AND A SPRING WITHIN SAID SLEEVE ABUTTING SAID OTHER MEMBER AND NORMALLY URGING THE SLEEVE INTO ABUTTING RELATIONSHIP WITH SAID SHOULDER. 